Get to Know the Border Terrier: A Breed That's Borderline Perfect!

"Really, he's a purebred." He may not look like it, but the Border Terrier is an old breed with fairly lofty roots compared to other terriers. Although not very well known in America, he's a popular dog in Britain. He's also one of the most amiable of terriers around other dogs. And pretty trainable as well!

He may be confused with the Cairn Terrier, but the Cairn is shorter and stockier and has erect ears. He may also be confused with the Lakeland, Welsh or Irish Terriers, but those are taller, have much longer heads and more coat, especially on the legs.

Border Terriers are the most successful breed in earth dog trials. They are also one of the most successful terrier breeds in agility trials.

The Border Terrier's wire coat must be plucked to keep him from looking scraggly.

Border Terriers have appeared in the films There's Something About Mary, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Good Boy! and Return to Oz; and in the TV series It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. They often play the role of a mutt in movies.

Owney, the famous post office dog who traveled the world in the late 1800s, looks a lot like a Border Terrier, although he was probably a mixed breed.

Do you own a Border Terrier? Have you spent time with one? Let's hear what you think about this fascinating breed in the comments! And if you have a favorite breed you'd like us to write about, let us know that, too!

About the author: Caroline Coile is the author of 34 dog books, including the top-selling Barron's Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds. She has written for various publications and is currently a columnist for AKC Family Dog. She shares her home with three naughty Salukis and one Jack Russell Terrier.